Rybolt had a history of psychiatric problems, according to authorities.

Bartonville police and firefighters were dispatched at 3:23 a.m. to 319 Harrison St. for a blaze that apparently began in the lower level of the structure. Rybolt and her teenage daughter had made it out of the house by the time of the call.

“It looks like the fire started in the basement. Smoke filled the house,” said Police Chief Brian Fengel. “The residents were out initially, but (Rybolt) decided to run back into the house to get her cellphone in the bedroom.”

One of the first Bartonville officers to arrive on the scene, Salvador Lopez, rushed into the house to try to save the woman but was overwhelmed by the smoke. The thick fumes forced his retreat before he could reach Rybolt.

“It was heavy black smoke,” Fengel said. “He could not get her out.”

Firefighters found the woman in the bedroom. She and Lopez were transported to St. Francis by ambulance for treatment.

Lopez is recovering, Fengel said.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called in to assist in the investigation of the fire.

Fengel said the fire did not initially appear suspicious but that it was “too early to tell” the exact cause of the blaze.

Matt Buedel can be reached at 686-3154 or mbuedel@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @JournoBuedel.